Freeland says she argued for ‘eschewing costly political gimmicks’ and ‘keeping our fiscal powder dry’
OTTAWA — Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland shockingly resigned her cabinet position on Monday as she was set to deliver an economic update that was expected to be soaked in red ink.
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In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on social media, Freeland said the prime minister offered her a different cabinet position on Friday but that she decided “the only honest and viable path for me is to resign from cabinet.”
“To be effective, a Minister must speak on behalf of the Prime Minister and with his full confidence. In making your decision, you made clear that I no longer credibly enjoy that confidence and possess the authority that comes with it,” she wrote.
Freeland’s letter describes a disagreement between her and the prime minister about the best way to respond to threats of tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, with Freeland arguing for “eschewing costly political gimmicks” and “keeping our fiscal powder dry.”
“For the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada,” wrote Freeland.
To promise those cheques would have added billions more to an already bloated federal deficit, Freeland having already signaled that it could be much larger than the $40 billion limit she promised last year. Observers have even mused the deficit could go up to $60 billion.
It was unclear in the immediate aftermath of Freeland’s resignation from cabinet whether or not the government can table its economic document. Freeland’s office has been telling reporters to contact Trudeau’s office, which has been tight-lipped on the next steps.
Freeland said she would continue to serve as a Liberal MP and said she is committed to running again in the next federal election.
More to come…
National Post
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